School Board Members Learn about the Effects of Childhood Trauma​On October 18th Newaygo County school board members and administrators came together for conversation, dinner and learning for their bi-annual Newaygo County Area School Board meeting. The Hesperia High School Jazz Band entertained the audience as they showcased their talent, while the Hesperia Food Service staff provided a delicious dinner. Wendi Selmon, Director of Youth and Family Services from Newaygo County Mental Health, and Kaleigh Buris, Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency Coordinator of Health & Prevention Services, gave an informative presentation on the effects of childhood trauma and how it impacts students in the classroom. This information is part of a community-wide outreach to raise awareness about trauma in students and build resiliency. “Research has shown that one positive adult relationship in a student’s life can help him or her respond to and overcome the trauma experienced, and prevent poor health outcomes in adulthood,” said Kaleigh Buris.

NEWAYGO- Camp Newaygo has unveiled the new Health & Leadership Lodge with its Grand Opening Celebration.The Health & Leadership Lodge’s public reveal came Thursday afternoon, and a community open house is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday afternoon.The LEED-certified, two-story, 6,300-square-foot facility has community, health, and leadership as its focal points.“We are really glad we’ve reached the pinnacle that we have,” Bev Cassidy, TrueNorth Community Services President and CEO, said Thursday at the formal grand opening ceremonies. “This lodge helps move us to the next direction we are moving toward as an agency with health and well-being.”The Health & Leadership Lodge’s arrival means keeping pace with the ever-changing needs of resident girls and co-ed day campers and the community, said Jane Vitek, Camp Newaygo Executive Director.“We’re excited that the mission lives on, but is much broader,” she said. “This building will allow children with all types of needs to fully participate in the camp experience.”In addition, the facility’s flexible floor plan allows for meeting varied needs, including for organizational gatherings, leadership meetings, team-building activities and corporate functions, Vitek said.Replacing the now repurposed 85-year-old nurses’ cabin, the Health & Leadership Lodge is the third and final phase for Camp Newaygo’s Building a Healthy Future Capital Campaign for Health, Leadership & the Arts. The campaign also includes Peggie Stone Center’s expansion and renovation and the addition of Cassidy Point, property for the camp’s co-ed Day Camp.“This is a rich community asset,” Cassidy said.The campaign’s impact is strengthening and expanding Camp Newaygo’s programming capabilities to further serve the community on a year-round basis.There have been nearly 600 donors to the Building a Healthy Future campaign since it was launched in 2016, said Mark Kraus, TrueNorth Community Liaison and Development Director. The donors include the Frey Foundation, Wege Foundation, Fremont Area Community Foundation, The Gerber Foundation, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Kalamazoo Community Foundation and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.“The campaign has raised $1.9 million,” he said. “However, additional gifts are needed to completely fund the project.”Thursday’s grand opening was co-hosted by InForm Architecture and RTS Construction Group, the firms responsible for the lodge’s design and construction. More than 200 people attended the event.

The Right Place and the Newaygo County economic development advisory committee finalize manufacturing expansion in Newaygo

The Right Place, Inc. and the Newaygo County economic development advisory committee, in collaboration with the MEDC and the City of Newaygo, announced that Magna Mirrors Newaygo will expand its operations at 700 South Park Ave, Newaygo, MI, 49337. The company will invest $45 million and create 48 new jobs over the next three years.Magna is a mobility technology company and one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers. The company’s facility in the City of Newaygo manufacturers interior and exterior rearview mirrors with value-added features such as electronic displays and auto-dimming glass. It is also one of the county’s largest employers with over 1,300 employees.Magna Mirrors is experiencing increased demand, necessitating this expansion in the City of Newaygo. As part of the expansion, Magna Mirrors will construct a 175,000-square-foot manufacturing and assembly facility at its Newaygo location.“For Magna Mirrors, today represents an exciting step forward in the growth and development of our business in North America,” said Kevin Burke, Vice President of Operations for Magna Mirrors. “We have a team that is second to none, a highly skilled workforce that is dedicated to world-class manufacturing and has a clear mission: to be the premier mirror supplier to automakers here in Michigan and around the world.”The MEDC is supporting the project with a $448,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The Right Place worked in collaboration with the company and MEDC to ensure Magna Mirrors continued to grow locally versus out-of-state possibilities. The Right Place also connected the company to workforce development resources at Michigan Works! West Central to assist with workforce recruitment and training.“Magna Mirrors is a global manufacturer of automotive mirrors and one of the top employers in Newaygo County. The expansion of this facility will further strengthen the company’s Michigan presence and provide additional good jobs to area residents for years to come,” said MEDC CEO Jeff Mason.“Magna Mirrors is a key employer in Newaygo County, and we are delighted they have decided to expand in the City of Newaygo,” said Julie Burrell, Business Development Coordinator – Newaygo County, The Right Place, Inc. “A global company like Magna Mirrors has many options for expansions, and their decision to invest in the Newaygo facility speaks volumes of our area’s business competitiveness.”The City of Newaygo is supportive of the expansion and has approved a P.A. 198 tax abatement in support of the project. The Newaygo City Council approved the support at the Council’s September 10th, 2018 meeting.“The City of Newaygo is proud to be home to Magna Mirrors,” said Mayor Ed Fedell, City of Newaygo. “We are pleased they have chosen Newaygo for their next phase of growth, and we look forward to our continued partnership with them.”

Newaygo County RESA board members and superintendent honor David Robinson for his many years of service. Pictured left to right (back row): Laura Johnson, Karen Kasankiewicz, Dr. Lori Tubbergen Clark (front row): David Robinson, David Hewitt, Ed Haynor

RobinsonRetires with Over Three Decades of Service to the CommunityLong-time board of education member David Robinson was honored for his strong and thoughtful leadership and dedicated service to the Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency (NC RESA). At his last board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Lori Tubbergen Clark noted that during Robinson’s 13.5 years of service for NC RESA, and another 19 years of service for the Grant Public Schools Board of Education, he has logged over 1,000 meetings and impacted thousands of students. “David has always asked probing questions and has put the best interests of students first in every decision,” she noted. Board President David Hewitt added, “David Robinson has been a focused, wonderful board member for our Agency and we have all been blessed to have worked with him.” In addition to Robinson’s school board volunteerism, he has also served on the boards of his church and Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Hospital.

Playoffs loom for area teams​Eight CSAA teams will play on this weekend, including 5 from the Gold.Newaygo, in the postseason for the second straight year, will host cross conference rival Morley Stanwood in Division 6.It’s been more than a decade since two area teams have gotten to week 10.In D-8 Holton will travel south of Grand Rapids to take on the Martin Clippers from the SWAC-Lakeshore their first appearance in the tourney since 2007 and Tri County travels east to face last year’s state finals runner-up Saginaw Swan Valley as the Vikes end a playoff drought going back to 2004.Kent City the Silver champ faces the SWAC-Lakeshore titleholder as they host the Saugatuck Indians.Other CSAA schools moving on are Big Rapids who will repeat the trip they took to Almalast Friday hoping for a different result than the 55-12 drubbing the Pioneers laid on them, Chip Hills visits the Falcons of Freelandand Reed City will put their undefeated record on the line at home against the Huskies of Benzie Central.Game details such as time and date will be announced Monday.

We at N3 World Headquarters and Leaf Sanctuary are long time marching band aficionados. You will generally not find me at the concession stand during halftime when the band is going to be on the field and I always note how they refine their show as the season progresses. This admiration derives from having been perpetually devoid of any musical talent whatsoever.... but I digress….

Saturday at 7:30pm it might be a little nippy out there but if you have never been to the Glow Show Invitational at White Cloud it is truly a stunning spectacle as talented marching bands from throughout the region take to the field and add a little light inspired pizazz to their performances.This family friendly festival is one of the gifts Band Director (and Mayor of White Cloud) Jamie Denslow has brought to the program at White Cloud High School. This is great fun and you will be dazzled by the imaginative and innovative collaborations of music and light in this highly entertaining show. . But you gotta get tickets so go to the White Cloud Bands Community facebook site and they will tell you how.

The String Doctors have just the prescription for some Saturday night fun as they roar into the Dogwood’s Black Box for some country inspired swing sound starting at 7:30pm.Led by the uber-talented Joel Mabus this talented mix of musicians extraordinaire have a captivating stage presence. Their music is way fun, their repartee is snappy and the groups personality should fit well with the club-like atmosphere of the Black Box.While there, check out the work that’s being done to the venue It’s a very cool project and will provide easier access for all who wish to attend.https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/string-doctors-at-dogwood-on-october-20

Tonight (Monday) is the debate between Mr. Bill Huizenga and Dr. Rob Davidson two of the candidates who wish to represent this district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Held at Newaygo High School and starting at 6pm the event is the first such meeting the two will have as a prelude to the November 6th Election Day balloting. This should be a great opportunity to hear what the candidates have to say when it isn’t part of a TV commercial spiel, but you can’t just show up…. you have to have a ticket.The tickets are free while they last so go to the site listed below and see if any are left.https://www.rivercountrychamber.com/events/details/debate-u-s-rep-bill-huizenga-dr-rob-davidson-30894And remember to mark your calendar as a reminder to vote on November 6th.Your participation in this exercise in democracy is highly recommended.

If you’re not going to the debate stop by the Newaygo Fire Department where they are holding an open house as part of Fire Prevention Week.The event will include fire truck tours, car extrication demo, fire hose spray, obstacle course, fire education and free food.As well as the opportunity to meet some of the folks who help keep our community safe.177 Cooperative Dr in Newaygo 6-8pm.

Brown gets life without parole for death of 14-month-old​​Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney, Worth Stay, announced that Wayne Arthur-Scott Brown, of Newaygo, was sentenced on October 11, 2018 to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of 14 month old Laylah Heether in February 2017. The defendant was also sentenced to a term of 23-40 years for Child Abuse 1st Degree and sentenced as a habitual offender.As Prosecutor Stay explained: “The murder of any human being is tragic. What makes the murder of a young child like Laylah so heartbreaking is that she had so much life left to live. I hope this conviction and sentence allows Laylah's family an opportunity to begin to heal."Prosecutor Stay continued: “The evidence presented in court involved some graphic and emotional testimony. I thank the jury for their service during this lengthy trial. Further, I thank the Newaygo County Sheriff's Office for their investigation, as well as all law enforcement agencies, medical staff and lay witnesses who provided testimony at trial."

Nearly 50 colleges, universities, trade schools, and military organizations were represented at College and Career Night Out on October 4.Held at Fremont High School, the annual event drew approximately 600 students and families from across Newaygo County to learn more about post-secondary education, career opportunities, and financial aid. WE CAN! Newaygo County—the local career and college access network—and Fremont Area Community Foundation organized and sponsored the event.Melissa Miller, WE CAN! coordinator, said that the event was designed to streamline the college and career decision process for local students.“With so many factors that can influence a student’s decision to pursue higher education or training, this event continues to serve families in this process by bringing numerous resources and current information under one roof,” said Miller. “Families are able to make connections, get their questions answered, and hopefully realize there are many resources to support them as they navigate this selection process.”

Attendees enjoyed free pizza, spoke to college and career representatives, learned more about scholarships, and were able to attend informational sessions on financial aid and how to choose a college. A special session for ninth and tenth-graders was also included this year to offer insight on how they can prepare now for post-secondary education. After, ninth-graders received special “Promise Bound” t-shirts from the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone.The college and career fair included a wide variety of public and private colleges, trade schools, and military branches. Students and parents could ask questions, compare programs, and explore financial aid opportunities.Other partners with a presence at the event included Early College Newaygo County, Gerber Foundation, Michigan Works! West Central, Newaygo County Area Promise Zone, Newaygo County Career-Tech Center, and Telamon. College advisors and high school counselors were also available to check in with students and answer questions.“I was able to receive a lot of valuable information I wouldn’t have been able to get on the internet,” said Jordyn Raymo, a student at Fremont High School. “I got to talk to a real person and learned a lot.”

​The Dogwood Center Board of Directors have been working on an improvement plan to make the facility more easily accessible and the construction part of the project began in early October. On October 16, from 4:30 – 5:00 p.m., the community is invited to hear about the progress of the project and take a peek at the construction work in progress. "We want to community to join us in celebrating the beginning of our construction phase of this important project, hear about our progress, and have a chance to take a look at the work as it is happening," stated Marianne Boerigter, Dogwood Center Executive Director.The goal of the project is to improve access into the Dogwood Center from parking, pathways and sidewalks, especially for those less mobile. It will also improve the flow of traffic through the lots with an added designated, covered drop-off area, and improve walkway access to the facility.

Photos by Marianne Boerigter

In December 2017, the Dogwood Center Board of Directors began the fundraising phase for the project, "A Legacy of Opportunity, An Opportunity for Accessibility" and have been excited to work on improvements that will increase accessibility to the facility and make the Dogwood patron's experience memorable and include ease of entry. Great progress has been made over the last nine months, and with contributions from community members, businesses, and grant funding, the Dogwood Board of Directors has raised 80% of the project goal. You too can join in and help us in our final push! The Dogwood Center Board of Directors include: Ken De Laat, Sherrie Harris, Jodi De Kuiper, Terrie Ortwein, Mark Miller, Sandy Williams, Charles Chandler, Lisa Jahr, Jamie Denslow, Diane Purgiel, Deb Reinhold, and Sandy Siegel.All are welcome on October 16, 4:30-5:00 p.m. at the Dogwood Center for a peek at the project. You and your family can be a part of making your Dogwood more appealing, accessible and welcoming. Contributions may easily be made on-line at www.dogwoodcenter.com. For more information on the Dogwood Center programs or the improvement plan, contact 231.924.8885 or stop by at 4734 S. Campus Court, one-mile east of downtown Fremont.

FREMONT, (Oct. 5, 2018) – Because of rain forecast for this weekend, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial will NOT be replacing the parking lot outside the Cancer Center and Specialist Clinic, located in the lower level of the Professional Office Building at 230 W Oak in Fremont. The lot is located on the south side of the POB.This work had been scheduled to start Friday (10/5) and ending Sunday (10/7).Gerber Memorial will update the public as soon as a new date for the parking lot replacement is identified.

Second phase of Gerber Memorial parking lot work resumes Friday, ends SundayFREMONT – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial will replace the parking lot outside the Cancer Center and Specialist Clinic, located in the lower level of the Professional Office Building, starting Friday and ending Sunday. The lot is located on the south side of the POB.Parking spots are available in the parking area just east of the affected lot.“We apologize for any inconvenience,” said Brian Poll, Gerber Memorial facilities manager. “Replacing the parking lot will help improve our facilities for our patients and visitors, especially when the work also improves safety for the people we serve. This work is timed for minimal disruption to our staff and our patients, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience.”

Rotary River Race Reaps Rewards​The 2nd Annual White Cloud Rotary Duck Race was run during White Cloud’s Trail Town event at WC Rotary Park, and it was a great race! The ducks were bunched up a bit coming out of the tub, but quickly spread out. There were a few hang ups along the banks and a bit of bumping down the stretch, but the leaders were "bill to bill" at the finish line. A big "Thank You" to Chairpersons Julia Bird and Beth Scheel as well as all the Duck Wranglers!

Collection of polystyrene at the Newaygo recycling site has ceased.Ongoing issues involving careless practices by some users of the program has created a situation leading to the demise of the only styrofoam collection site in the county.“While the county strives to provide recycling services to our citizens the continued misuse of the styrofoam bins has forced us to suspend and reevaluate any future considerations regarding collection of the material at this time,” said Newaygo County Administrator Chris Wren.The issue of styrofoam has been a dilemma for the county. There are few places anywhere willing to take the material and yet the county has been committed to try to limit the amount of polystyrene reaching area landfills.That commitment has been put to the test by bins that have seen inappropriate material dropped off, items strewn about or crammed into the bags with no regard or respect for the collection site.Recycling is expensive and does not pay for itself. Not even close. It is a service provided by the county and supported by funding from the county and the Fremont Area Community Foundation. While every very effort is made to maintain the bins and keep the site in some sense of order there are times when the input overwhelms these efforts.The additional cost of supervised sites and more security due to abuse creates further financial burdens and while the county continues to strive to provide this valuable service a reduction in all recycling services may be part of the program in the near future. For now recycling remains with the exception of styrofoam but users need to be informed as to what can and cannot be taken to the sites.Please refer to the recycling guide in this link http://www.cartright.net/Blank.htmland while educating yourself take the time to educate others.Recycling is an investment. It will go a long way in determining what kind of environment we leave our children and grandchildren.But we have to do it correctly.Or we won’t be doing it at all.

Bucher Hydraulics Plant Manager Scott Pokora showing students some of the parts made for John Deere during last year's tour.

The Right Place, Inc. and Newaygo County Regional Education Service Agency to host student tours for Discover Manufacturing Week

The Right Place, Inc is partnering with Newaygo County Regional Education Service Agency and five local employers to host student tours in honor of Discover Manufacturing Week. Discover Manufacturing Week, part of the national MFG DAY initiative, is a coordinated, regional effort designed to celebrate manufacturing and address common misperceptions about the industry. It gives manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and introduce communities to modern manufacturing through facility tours, open houses, block parties, and more. By working together during and after the events, manufacturers will begin to address the skilled labor shortage, connect with future generations, take charge of manufacturing’s public image, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry. Discover Manufacturing Week in Newaygo County will be comprised of 10 different tours and over 200 students. The tours will be held October 4th and 5th with the following five employers:

“Remember that great little place we used to go to? Well, I went past there today and they’re closed! Can you believe it? The food was great and it was a fun kind of place to go and we used to meet friends there all the time.I’m really going to miss it.”

“Yeah, maybe we should have gone there more often?”

A familiar lament in every town across the country begins, “Whatever happened to that one place......?”Well, what happened was that for whatever reason business slowed down.

There exists what we at N3 World Headquarters and Butterfly Redemption Center would consider to be an epicurean gem in our midst. One of those singular spots specializing in providing innovative and appetizing options to the standard fare available in many eateries throughout our parts.

We’re talking about Fuego, Grant’s gastronomical godsend where the food is downright delightful from the kitchen creations crafted from the culinary skills of Alex Luther and Stevie Milligan to the scrumptious sushi, a newly discovered dining delight for some and an ongoing culinary connection for others.A recent sojourn to the source of such satisfying sustenance brought to mind previous visits to this enticing eating establishment and the far too lengthy lapse between such visits.If you are like most folks in the area there may have been a little reluctance toward taking the time to drive to Grant this summer. There was, shall we say, a little bit of construction these past months.. You know, the kind that closes roads and creates detours, down time and sometimes moderately disturbed drivers.This very necessary infrastructure improvement event likely put a bit of hurt on all downtown businesses, but a big part of the food business is easy access. Folks want to get there and get out with a minimum of trouble which is probably why you don’t see any dining establishments located in the middle of roundabouts. And this past summer of road crews, big machines and plenty of dust put a bit of hurt on Fuego.​Now they are stepping it up and looking to keep their enticing edibles coming out of the storefront eatery that exudes charm as well as some of the most intriguing and tasty food to be found in our parts.Fuego is is the kind of place that draws folks looking for more than a burger and fries, pizza or some form of smothered chicken. This is a gastronomical adventure and given the fine fare served up during our recent visit we at N3 encourage former patrons and those who have yet to experience Fuego to do so soon.Like this week.​Because without Fuego the epicurean landscape of our area would be a little diminished.They don’t just make and sell food at Fuego.They deliver a dining experience to be savored.And now is a good time to grab hold of that experience.

Five former Grant High School football players competing at the next level​By Christi Evans

Five Grant High School graduates are continuing their football careers at the NCAA Division 3 Level – one at Ripon College in Ripon, WI and four at Hope College in Holland, MI. Mason Lesley is a Freshman Offensive Lineman at Ripon College. He is pursuing a degree in Business Management. Ripon College is a member of the Midwest Conference, which also includes Beloit College, Cornell College, Grinnell College, Illinois College, Knox College, Lake Forest College, Lawrence University, Monmouth College, and St. Norbert College. Jared Evans is a Freshman Running Back at Hope College. He is pursuing a degree in Kinesiology/Exercise Science.T.J. Railling is a Freshman H Back at Hope College. He is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.Rylee Schultz is a Sophomore Linebacker at Hope College. He is pursuing a degree in business and economics.Cameron Wright is a Sophomore Offensive Lineman at Hope College. He is pursuing a degree in Biology. Hope College is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, which also includes Adrian College, Albion College, Alma College, Calvin College (Calvin does not have a football program), Finlandia University, Kalamazoo College, Olivet College, and Trine University.

College and Career Night Out 2018 will take place on Thursday, October 4 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Fremont High School.

This fun, free event is open to all Newaygo County public, homeschool, and private high school students as well as parents, guardians, and adult students. Attendees will explore college and career possibilities and gather information on scholarships and financial aid. The event is hosted by WE CAN! Newaygo County, the local college and career access network, in partnership with Fremont Area Community Foundation.

Free pizza will be available from 5-6 p.m. and attendees will be able to meet with college advisors and high school counselors in the cafetorium. Information sessions will begin at 5:30.

From 6-7:30 p.m. in the large gym, attendees can meet with representatives from a wide variety of colleges, universities, trade schools, career training programs, and military branches. There will be opportunities to learn more about FAFSA, Michigan Works! West Central, Telamon, and scholarships available through Fremont Area Community Foundation and Gerber Foundation. Information about Early College Newaygo County, the Promise Zone, and the Newaygo County Career-Tech Center will also be available.

Three information sessions will be presented during the event, from 5:30-6 p.m. Topics are:

Finding Money for CollegeCollege costs keep rising, but there’s a lot of financial aid out there! Come learn about college affordability options, from federal and state aid to community-based scholarship programs.

How to Choose a CollegeUnsure which college to attend? Newaygo County college advisors will lead a discussion to help guide you toward the school and career path that suits you best!

Top Ways to Prepare for College While in High SchoolCurious to know what a college is actually looking for in a high school student? Wondering you how might prepare for your next step after high school? Join a high school counselor and a college advisor as they discuss how to effectively use your time in high school to prepare for college. Learn about what colleges look for and how you can prepare, starting as early as a freshman, to set yourself up for success in college and beyond.

Contact WE CAN! Newaygo County at 231.924.8857 with questions. More information—including a list of schools expected to attend the college fair—can be found at facommunityfoundation.org/ccno. ​

Family Health Care plans to register voters to celebrate the national holiday.

Baldwin– On Tuesday, September 25, 2018, Americans will celebrate National Voter Registration Day with a massive 50-state effort to register voters before Election Day this November.With midterms and governor races happening in a few weeks, every eligible American voter should exercise his or her right to be heard at the ballot box this year and next. National Voter Registration Day is the right place to start by getting registered.​That is why communities across the country are planning to use National Voter Registration Day to increase voter participation.Thousands of national, state, and local organizations and volunteers will be the driving force behind National Voter Registration Day 2018. Partner organizations will coordinate hundreds of National Voter Registration Day events nationwide and leverage #NationalVoterRegistrationDay on all social media platforms to drive attention to voter registration and the midterm elections.Family Health Care is proud to be a National Voter Registration Day partner. On September 25, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Family Health Care will engage its community and register voters at the following locations:

The effort’s website, www.NationalVoterRegistrationDay.org, provides a listing of National Voter Registration Day events across the country.Founded in 2012, National Voter Registration Day is designed to create an annual moment when the entire nation focuses on registering Americans to exercise their most basic right – the right to vote. More than two million Americans have registered to vote on this day since the inaugural National Voter Registration Day.